Evaluation of hearing levels in Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever with audiological and electrophysiological tests

Objective : Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is a tick-borne viral disease, and Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SNHL) arises from pathologies in the cochlea or retrocochlear pathways. Viral infections, including Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever , are considered possible etiological factors for Sensorineural Hearing Loss, as endothelial damage in Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever may impair inner ear blood flow. This study aimed to differentiate between cochlear and retrocochlear hearing loss in patients with Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever and assess the reliability of Auditory Steady-State Response (ASSR) testing by comparing its results with pure-tone audiometry. Material and method: The study included 30 Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever patients (Group CCHF) and 30 healthy controls (Group C). Hearing measurements were conducted using pure tone audiometry, otoacoustic emissions, tympanometry, and Auditory Steady-State Response before the patients’ discharge. Data were analyzed using SPSS 22.0. Results: The results showed no significant difference in audiometric thresholds between the right and left ears of Group CCHF at various frequencies. However, Auditory Steady-State Response results at 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz in the right ear and at all tested frequencies in the left ear revealed significant differences between groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion: While this study did not establish a clear link between Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever and Sensorineural Hearing Loss, it suggests the need for further research with larger samples and testing during both the active and recovery phases of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever. Key words: Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever; audiometry; otoacoustic emissions, tympanometry; auditory steady state response; hearing loss.